Arlington Planning And Community Development Names New Member

ARLINGTON, MA – The Arlington Department of Planning and Community Development has hired Erin Zwirko as its assistant director, according to a press release. Zwirko's work will include the development and implementation of land use policies for the town and management of community affairs.

She comes to the town with 14 years of professional planning experience, including serving as assistant planning director in Melrose and planner in Wellesley.

She has been a member of local and regional boards and worked as a past commissioner for the Melrose Conservation Commission. In Melrose, she supported the city’s master plan initiative, researched and prepared zoning amendments to further smart growth and transit oriented development goals and worked across departments on a number of development projects.

In Wellesley, she administered the town’s Large House Review and supported the Design Review Board and Historic District Commission. She has a Master’s in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic. Zwirko is AICP, the American Institute of Certified Planners, and LEED AP, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional, a credential showing expertise in green building design.

"I’m excited for this opportunity and I’m very happy to join the dedicated Department of Planning andCommunity Development. The department and the town have a wonderful reputation" Zwirko said in a statement. "I look forward to working with them and the community on projects that support the Town of Arlington."

Zwirko was selected from a pool of 20 candidates who applied for the position.

"I’m pleased Erin has accepted the appointment," Jennifer Raitt, Arlington’s director of Planning and
Community Development, said in a statement. "She brings a wealth of skills, knowledge, and expertise to the department and the Town."

Photo courtesy of town of Arlington